The Being Playful Podcast
Whether you’re a CEO, team leader, or aspiring manager, The Being Playful Podcast offers valuable insights to help you and your team flourish amidst today’s complex business landscape. Perhaps you’re wanting to increase employee engagement? Boost creativity, or develop a more inclusive learning culture? Maybe you want to ensure your company or team remains relevant in a fast-changing, disruptive world? Or perhaps you’re feeling the stress and strain of modern life and simply want to find a way to thrive? The Being Playful Podcast offers a fresh perspective on these pressing challenges we all face today - not just as leaders - but as members of a society in flux. Hosted by Chris Marshall, behavioural scientist, futurist, and founder of both the Playfulness Institute and the Refuel Clinic (a coaching and psychotherapy practice), this podcast explores how playfulness can be a powerful antidote to modern workplace struggles. Each episode delves into practical strategies for creating thriving, resilient environments in the face of uncertainty and pressure. Chris invites diverse guests to share their experiences of incorporating playfulness into professional settings and daily routines. Through these insightful conversations, listeners gain actionable takeaways for fostering innovation, building stronger teams, and enhancing personal well-being. Chris often relates these discussions to his Three Pillars Playfulness Scale, demonstrating how curiosity, creativity, and connectedness contribute to high performance and adaptability in dynamic business environments.
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Episodes
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Ever wondered how psychological safety and playfulness can revolutionize your workplace? In this episode, Chris chats with Minette Norman, a former tech executive turned consultant and author who's on a mission to make workplaces more inclusive and psychologically safe!
Minette takes us on a journey through her 30-year career in Silicon Valley, revealing how psychological safety has been the secret ingredient in creating high-performing teams. She shares insights from her co-authored book, "The Psychological Safety Playbook," and shows how leaders can foster an environment where creativity and innovation thrive.
But it's not all about serious business talk - Minette dives deep into how humor and emotional awareness play crucial roles in building psychological safety. She spills the beans on how laughing at ourselves can diffuse tense situations and open up channels for honest communication.
We also get a peek into Minette's experiences with both psychologically safe and unsafe work environments, reminding us how crucial this concept is for our overall wellbeing and productivity. She contrasts moments of high energy and creativity with times when conformity stifled innovation, highlighting the transformative power of psychological safety.
Chris and Minette wrap up by chatting about the virtuous cycle between psychological safety and playfulness, and how embracing failure can lead to breakthrough innovations.
Want to keep up with Minette's work on inclusive leadership and psychological safety? You can find her books on Amazon or check out her website at minettenorman.com.
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Ever wondered how to keep your creative spark alive for decades? In this episode, Chris chats with Bill O'Hanlon, a man who's worn many hats - from psychotherapist to bestselling author to prolific songwriter!
Bill takes us on a journey through his career, showing how playfulness has been the secret sauce in his professional longevity. He shares how he's navigated multiple career pivots, always following his "energy meter" to stay engaged and creative.
But it's not all about career moves - Bill dives deep into how playfulness can enhance learning, therapy, and even songwriting. He spills the beans on co-writing sessions (or should we say "play dates"?) and how embracing fun has made him a better songwriter.
We also get a peek into Bill's childhood, where his family's irreverent humor laid the groundwork for his current playful approach to life and work. He contrasts this with periods in his life where playfulness took a backseat, reminding us how crucial it is for our overall wellbeing and creativity.
Chris and Bill wrap up by chatting about the balance between security and change, and how doing "one thing different" can spark creativity and personal growth.
Want to keep up with Bill's adventures in writing and songwriting? You can find his books on Amazon or check out his songs on Spotify.
If you want to find out how you score on the Three Pillars Playfulness Scale, you can take the FREE online assessment here
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Ever wondered what it's like to ditch the 9-to-5 and embrace a life of adventure? In this episode, Chris chats with Rachel Franklin-Heys, who's done just that!
Rachel takes us on a journey from her office days to her current nomadic lifestyle, living and working from a converted police van (how cool is that?). She shares how this massive change has sparked her curiosity and creativity, proving that sometimes the craziest ideas lead to the most amazing outcomes.
But it's not all about wanderlust - Rachel dives deep into how remote work can actually make us more playful and productive. She spills the beans on leading a global team from wherever she fancies parking her van, balancing a human touch with cold, hard data.
We also get a peek into Rachel's childhood, where her dad's unconventional parenting style laid the groundwork for her current adventurous spirit. She contrasts this with periods in her life where playfulness took a backseat, reminding us how crucial it is for our overall wellbeing.
Chris and Rachel wrap up by chatting about the link between stress and playfulness and dream up plans for a community of playful leaders to make work more fun for everyone.
Want to keep up with Rachel's adventures? You can find her on LinkedIn or follow her social media adventures under "she is remote".
If you want to find out how you score on the Three Pillars Playfulness Scale, you can take the FREE online assessment here